With its fifth anniversary looming, Planet Hatch, Fredericton's startup acceleration centre, has outlined its plan for the next five years and the team that will lead the way.

The team includes new Director Adam Peabody, formerly Investment Attraction & Growth Specialist at Ignite Fredericton, the community’s economic development catalyst agency.

He is being joined by Julia Ramirez, formerly Population Growth Specialist at Ignite Fredericton, who is the new Entrepreneurial Programming Specialist, and Vanessa MacLean who will take on an enhanced role as Entrepreneurial Services Coordinator.

Since 2013, Planet Hatch has supported the creation of over 150 startup companies resulting in over 400 jobs for New Brunswick, the group said in a release. Startups range across sectors including ICT, biotechnology, arts & culture, consumer products, craft alcohol, agri-technology, and others.

“Planet Hatch has made a significant impact in economic development over the past five years, and I have full confidence in this team to build on that success to achieve even greater results…” said Larry Shaw, who is CEO of Ignite Fredericton, and Knowledge Park, the city’s technology and research area.

When it began in 2013, Planet Hatch had a mandate to support the creation and development of high-growth startups in the technology sector. The centre later expanded its focus to include a wider variety of traditional businesses and entrepreneurs. The leadership team will expand service offerings, programming and partnerships with the goal of increasing economic development, jobs and new businesses.

“Our community reached a watershed moment in 2016 being recognized as the Startup Capital of Canada, and I’m looking forward to building on that momentum as we strive to create a startup ecosystem regarded as world-class,” said Peabody.

Ramirez said the group is evaluating its programming and seeking increased collaboration with current partners while looking for new opportunities to expand its programming locally and internationally.

“Planet Hatch has a variety of programs that are unique in New Brunswick, like the Start-up Visa Program, and we have reached multiple agreements for soft-landing zones in different locations around the world,” said Ramirez.

MacLean said she is looking forward to executing plans that will further enhance the services the group offers entrepreneurs and the city of Fredericton.